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Verity resigns as Welcome to Yorkshire chief executive

Sir Gary Verity has resigned as chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire after an investigation ruled he had made "errors of judgement regarding his expenses".

Verity stepped down "on health grounds with immediate effect" after concerns were raised about his "behaviour towards staff and his expenses".

Welcome to Yorkshire said the resignation was not directly linked to the concerns raised and that Verity had agreed to voluntarily reimburse them for "monies owed".

"Sir Gary has led the transformation of Yorkshire’s profile, most notably through the Grand Départ of the Tour de France in 2014 and the subsequent legacy of the Tour de Yorkshire, which have significantly boosted the county’s economy," the organisation added. "We wish him well for the future.”

In a personal statement, Verity apologised and asked for "time and space to heal". He added: “Over the last ten and a half years I have always tried to set the highest standards of personal performance and leadership. Where this has been achieved, I am grateful and when, on occasions, I have fallen short, I apologise.

"My health is now my main priority. I ask for time and space to heal. It has been an honour and a privilege to lead such an inspirational organisation and work with such a creative and talented team.

“I know that Welcome to Yorkshire will continue to go from strength to strength and achieve many fantastic things over the coming years.” Welcome to Yorkshire thanked Sir Gary for his "commitment and energy" during his time at the tourism agency.

Welcome to Yorkshire was responsible for organising the Tour de France's 2014 Grand Depart in Yorkshire and its subsequent legacy race, the Tour de Yorkshire.

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